Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function: A Study of Knowledge and Awareness among Physiotherapy Students

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.SE.25.02.Art027

Authors : Priyadharshini Kumar, Kumaresan A, Rajkumar Krishnan Vasanthi, Vinosh Kumar Purushothaman, Vijayaraj Vediappan

Abstract:

Aerobic exercise is structured, repetitive, and purposeful, aiming to improve physical fitness and enhance cognitive performance, which includes processes like language, perception, attention, memory, and decision-making The aim of this study was to provide a detailed understanding and awareness of the effects of aerobic brain exercise among physiotherapy students. Quantitative Cross – sectional study, self – administered questionnaire design. Ethical approval was obtained. All Malaysian physiotherapy students were selected at random. Google Form was used to create the questionnaire, which included closed-ended questions. Using IBM SPSS statistics version 22.0, frequency analysis was carried out. Among physiotherapy students, 83.9% (n=302) knew that aerobic exercise (AE) improves cognitive function, while 16.1% (n=58) did not. 46.4% identified the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity AE per week. 27.5% strongly agreed AE raises academic standards, 41.7% agreed it protects thinking and memory, and 48.7% said it improves focus. 44% believed AE enhances learning and attention, while 30.8% thought it produces new brain cells. 37.7% agreed AE improves verbal and memory skills, and 55.6% strongly agreed AE enhances motor function. The current study revealed that majority of the physiotherapy students reported being aware of the AE on CF. However, half of the physiotherapy students does not have the knowledge that regular AE improves CF.

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